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2009 Public Relations Seminar

June 23, 2009
Detroit, MI

Learn how today’s savvy port communications professionals are using research and evaluation, audience segmentation, strategic planning and “new” media to effectively tell their port’s stories. Explore the myriad challenges and issues that port public relations departments now face and how are they are addressing those challenges. Get the scoop on the latest port communications strategies for the 21st century.

06/23/2009
Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Aaron E. Ellis, Communications Director, American Association of Port Authorities
• Cheryl Graham Solomon, Director of Marketing, Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority

06/23/2009
Icebreaker: Telling Your Organization’s Story… in 30 Seconds

Discussion Leader

• Robert C. Morris, Director of External Affairs, Georgia Ports Authority

06/23/2009
The Value of Strategic Planning, Execution and Measurement

Introduction:

• John Valls, Marketing Manager, Port of Corpus Christi Authority

Speaker:

• Carol A. Scott, APR, Fellow PRSA, Principal, kailo communications studio LLC

06/23/2009
Creating A Strategic Communications Plan Outline…The Ingredients For Success

Introduction:

• Susan Gibson, Community Initiatives, Corp! Magazine

Speaker:

• Kim Skeltis, APR, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Stratcomm

06/23/2009
Know Your Audience… Community Perception Polling

Discussion Leader:

• Scott Simons, APR, Senior Specialist, External Communications, DTE Energy

Speakers:

• Lisa Mandt Lefeber, Communications Administrator, Port of Everett
• Allan Benedict, Principal, A&K Research, Inc.
• Karen Fox, Senior Director of Communications, North Carolina State Ports Authority
• Christina Lovio-George, President & CEO, lovio|george|inc

06/23/2009
Luncheon - Keynote Address – Redefining the “D”: Detroit’s Marketing Success Story

Introduction:

• Scott Simons, APR, Senior Specialist, External Communications, DTE Energy

Speaker:

• Christopher Baum, CHME, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

06/23/2009
Defining Your Goals & Objectives... Making Your Plan Achievable

Discussion Leader:

• Anne McMullin, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Director, Port Metro Vancouver

Speakers:

• Rebecca Harris, Ph.D., GM Research and Measurement Strategist, GM Communications
• Edward C. Hutchison, APR, Assistant Professor, School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts & Integrative Public Relations, Central Michigan University
• Michael Turney, Ph.D., ABC, Professor Emeritus of Communication, Northern Kentucky University & Independent Consultant

06/23/2009
AAPA’s Seaport Industry Awareness Initiative presentation

Speakers:

• Mary Beth Long, Senior Advisor, American Association of Port Authorities
• Arley Baker, Senior Communications Director, Port of Los Angeles

06/24/2009
Communicating the Benefits of Detroit’s Riverfront

Introduction:

• Cheryl Graham Solomon, Director of Marketing, Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority

Speaker:

• Faye Nelson, President/CEO, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

06/24/2009
Assessing Your Resources – Money, Personnel, Time

Discussion Leader:

• Michael Turney, Ph.D., ABC, Professor Emeritus of Communication, Northern Kentucky University & Independent Consultant

Speakers:

• Michael Conway, Director, Public Affairs, Wayne County Airport Authority
• Mary T. Henige, APR, Director, Social Media, Diversity & Broadcast Communications, General Motors Corporation
• Marilyn Sandifur, Media & PR Specialist, Port of Oakland

06/24/2009
Getting the Most BANG! From Your Communications Tools

Discussion Leader:

• Ms. Mary Beth Long, Senior Advisor, American Association of Port Authorities

Speakers:

• Merideth Allard, Public Relations Director, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan
• Jackie McClure, President, JCI Design
• Wendy Clark, Social Media Manager, General Motors Corporation

06/24/2009
Formal and Informal Communications Audits

Discussion Leader:

• Argentina M. James, Director of Public Affairs, Port of Houston Authority

Speakers:

• Scott D. Upham, President & CEO, Valient Solutions Market Research
• Johna Burke, Vice President, BurrellesLuce

06/24/2009
Integrating Crisis Communications Into Your PR Plan

Introduction:

• Rebecca Harris, Ph.D., GM Research and Measurement Strategist, GM Communications

Speaker:

• Matthew W. Seeger, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Communication, Wayne State University 

06/25/2009
Interactive Workshop: Writing A PR Plan That Works!

Facilitator:

• Kim Skeltis, APR, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Stratacomm strategic communication counselors

Speaker:

• Martin Callery, Director of Communications and Freight Mobility, Oregon Internaitonal Port of Coos Bay

Mentors/Panelists:

• Kathy Harrison, APR, Partner, Harrison, Bryant, LLC
• Jeanne M. Nichol, APR, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Macomb Community College
• Margaret Blohm, APR, Principal, Margaux & Associates, LLC
• Renée T. Walker, APR, Associate Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Michigan University
• Amanda Chaborek, APR, Director of Communications, Detroit Country Day School